The Movement of CO2 Through the Frozen World of Sea Ice

Abstract

Every winter, a frozen blanket known as sea ice completely covers the Arctic Ocean. For centuries, sea ice has been viewed as a solid lid on the ocean that acts as a boundary to block gases traveling between the ocean and the atmosphere. However, scientific discoveries over recent years have shown that sea ice is more like a sponge, a porous substance that is also home to microscopic life forms. The pores in sea ice are filled with very salty liquid called brine that is rich in carbon dioxide (CO2). These liquid pockets create a network of tubes or channels that move gases like CO2, similar to the way veins and arteries move blood in our bodies. In this article, you will discover how CO2 enters, exits, and is transformed in one of the harshest environments on Earth.